Criminal DEFENCE Blog

general information about the field of calgary criminal law

Your Calgary Defence Lawyer is On Your Side From the Start

Being accused of a crime in Calgary is a scary thing. You’ll have lots of questions, and you may feel like you have no one to turn to whose knowledge you can trust.

That changes when you partner with a Calgary defence lawyer.

Your defence lawyer's skill in navigating court proceedings, their knowledge of the law, and their experience with systems that enforce it are a beacon of light in what is one of the most stressful times you are likely to go through. There's no need to worry when you have a trustworthy defence lawyer who will stand by you through every part of the legal process, who can answer all of your questions and help you put your charges and your case behind you.

What happens in the courts when you or someone close to you has been charged with a crime? Will you be detained? If you are detained is their a chance you will be let out on bail? What will the court proceedings look like, and how will your defence lawyer help you navigate them? Read on for some basic answers and to learn more about the role of your Calgary defence lawyer.

Being Charged With a Crime in the Calgary Courts

You may be criminally charged for any number of offences ranging from trespassing to theft, to DUI or even homicide. At times you may not even be aware of breaking the law, or you may not realize that you are at risk of being charged with a crime. Regardless, if you are charged with a crime you will need to answer that charge in the Calgary courts, and possibly deal with the Calgary Police, as well.

The law allows minor charges to be brought against you even if you are not arrested or taken into custody. You'll want to contact your Calgary defence lawyer as soon as you are aware of the charges so they can assist you in handling your case right from the outset. In such cases, you likely will not have a bail hearing and you might skip straight to a summary trial.Though the charges related to such trials might seem minor, the rapidity of these cases can add to the confusion, and relying on a defence lawyer is still in your best interests.

Being Arrested or Detained By the Calgary Police

When you are arrested, either immediately following an incident or when more serious charges are brought against you, you may be detained for up to 24 hours before your initial hearing takes place. Keep in mind that 24 hours is the maximum amount of time allowed by the law before a first hearing; your defence lawyer will make sure your case is heard in a timely manner.

You will also want a Calgary defence lawyer by your side at this initial hearing. This bail proceeding is where the Crown prosecutor will declare the charges laid against you, and will possibly ask for your ongoing detention or attempt to negotiate a higher bail amount. Your defence lawyer will request that you be released until you have been convicted of a crime or negotiate for a lower bail.

Your Calgary Defence Lawyer is On Your Side

There's no need for you to experience a criminal charge or trial without a confident and comforting lawyer to lean on. You deserve a knowledgeable, dedicated criminal defence lawyer who's long been committed to making sure everyone in Calgary gets a fair chance in court. Contact the law offices of David Chow today for a free consultation.